BARBARA ANN VENTRELLA, 68, of Forked River, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at home. She was born in Jersey City, NJ, and resided in Jackson Twp., NJ, before moving to Forked River 3 years ago.
Barbara graduated St. Michael’s High School, Jersey City, NJ, in 1965 and went on to marry her high school sweetheart, John, in 1967. She later earned her RN from Holy Name Hospital School of Nursing in Teaneck, NJ, graduating with honors in 1969. She would have been an amazing nurse, given her nurturing personality, but instead chose to be a stay-at-home mom and focus on her family.
Barbara was a passionate volunteer, especially in programs benefitting children. She was active in Jackson Pop Warner as a cheerleader coach, coordinator and board member for nearly 20 years and was recognized as the Pop Warner Eastern Regional Volunteer of the Year in 1997. With John, she also helped establish Challenger Little League in Jackson, NJ, and coached from 1993-2000.
To her own surprise, Barbara became a world traveler, and especially enjoyed cruises with friends and family. Some of the highlights of her travels included cruising to Russia and Australia, as well as attending the 2012 London Olympics. She was an avid collector of art work and unique Disney memorabilia. Barbara also loved living in Sea Breeze at Lacey, and enjoyed hosting parties in her 50’s diner-themed basement. Above all, she was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and wife.
She was predeceased by her Parents, Robert and Sandra Devlin. She is survived by her Husband of 48 years, John Ventrella; her Sons, Brian Ventrella and his Wife, Courtney of Millstone Twp., NJ, and Michael Ventrella and his Wife, Lisa of Ocean Twp., NJ; her Daughters, Barbara Heffernan and her Husband, Rick of Manasquan, NJ, and Sandy Foukarakis of Pt. Pleasant Beach, NJ; her Brothers, James Devlin and his Wife, Terry of Middletown, Delaware, and Kevin Devlin and his Wife, Linda of Neptune, NJ; her Sister-in-law, Mary Lou Brinkofski and her Husband, Charles of Lake Hopatcong, NJ; her Grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Delaney, Megan, Kira, Noah, Alexa, and Ethan; the many friends she made throughout her life; and, of course, her feisty little Yorkie, Abby.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her visitation on Sunday, April 24, 2016, from 1-5 PM at the GEORGE S. HASSLER FUNERAL HOME, 980 Bennetts Mills Rd., Jackson Twp., NJ 08527. Her Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10 AM on Monday, April 25, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 685 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ. Please meet at church at 9:45 AM. A private cremation will follow. For directions, further information, and to send condolence messages to the family, please select a tab on the left.